R.I. Foundation presents awards at annual meeting

PROVIDENCE – At its annual meeting Wednesday evening, the Rhode Island Foundation presented its three annual awards to Rhode Islanders “who have shown tremendous leadership and dedication to improving out state and the quality of life for others through their philanthropy and community engagement,” according to a release.

After hearing a welcome from Chairman Fred Butler and about the Rhode Island Foundation’s year in 2012 from President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg, the foundation presented its annual Community Leadership Award, the Harold B. Soloveitzik Professional Leadership Award and its Inspiring Partners Award.

The Community Leadership Award was presented to The Learning Community and its co-founders and directors Meg O’Leary and Sarah Friedman. The award recognized O’Leary and Friendman’s “creative approaches to collaboration, commitment to putting teachers and professional development at the heart of change, and a vision to create opportunities for all children in Rhode Island,” according to a release.

The Harold B. Solveitzik Professional Leadership Award was awarded to A. Max Kohlenberg, a parter at Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP. Calling him a “beloved Westerly attorney,” the foundation said Kohlenberg exhibited “an enduring commitment to philanthropy throughout his career.”

Kohlenberg was recognized as a “servant leader” for his ability to “listen carefully, learn from what he has heard, and then move his cause forward.”

Finally, Paul and Elizabeth Choquette were honored for their philanthropy with the Inspiring Partner Award. The foundation described the Choquettes as “true pillars of the community [and] a powerful team that has inspired us all with their commitment to philanthropy, community involvement and deep love for our state.”

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